(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
The ~s of a bird or animal are the thin, hard, curved nails at the end of its feet.
The cat tried to cling to the edge by its ~s.
N-COUNT: usu pl
2.
The ~s of a lobster, crab, or scorpion are the two pointed parts at the end of its legs which are used for holding things.
N-COUNT: usu pl
3.
If an animal ~s at something, it scratches or damages it with its ~s.
The wolf ~ed at the tree and howled the whole night.
VERB: V at n
4.
To ~ at something mean to try very hard to get hold of it.
His fingers ~ed at Blake’s wrist...
VERB: V at n
5.
If you ~ your way somewhere, you move there with great difficulty, trying desperately to find things to hold on to.
Some did manage to ~ their way up iron ladders to the safety of the upper deck.
VERB: V way prep/adv